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Mercedes-Benz CL C216 CL 500 V8 (388 Hp) 7G-TRONIC
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz CL:
The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class was a line of grand tourers which are produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz, produced from 1992 to 2014. The name CL stands for the German Coupé Luxusklasse. It was considered by Mercedes as their premier model.
In 2015 Mercedes officially ceased using the CL-Class designation, returning the vehicle's name back to the S-Class Coupe/Convertible, replacing it with the C217 S-Class Coupé.
The CL-Class was the coupé derivative of the S-Class full-size luxury saloon, upon which it shares the same platform. Formerly known as the SEC and later S-Coupé, it was spun off into its own, separate name in 1996 and in 1997 for North American markets. The CL continued to follow the same development cycle as the S, though riding on a shorter wheelbase, and sharing the same engines albeit with less choice as only the higher-output powertrains are offered. The last generation of the CL was actually heavier than its corresponding S trim , due to the roof engineering required to compensate for the lack of a central B-pillar....(Read more on Wikipedia)
C216 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz CL (C216). With 530 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1920 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz CL (C216) was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, as a flagship luxury coupe, it featured extensive passive and active safety systems for its era, including multiple airbags, ABS, ESP, and Mercedes' PRE-SAFE system, offering a high level of inherent safety.
CL 500 V8 (388 Hp) 7G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 388 Hp V8 (M273) offers robust and smooth acceleration, making it effortlessly quick for daily driving and highway cruising. Power delivery is refined and responsive.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is typical for a large luxury V8, with combined figures around 12.1 l/100 km. It's not economical but acceptable for its class and performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Stunning, elegant design and road presence
- • Luxurious, high-quality interior with advanced features
- • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
- • Powerful and smooth V8 and V12 engine options
- • Advanced safety and driver assistance systems for its time
- • Strong depreciation makes used models a compelling value proposition
Cons:
- • Very high fuel consumption across all engine variants
- • Complex electronics and air suspension can lead to expensive repairs
- • High maintenance and running costs, especially for AMG and V12 models
- • Large size can make it cumbersome in city driving and parking
- • Rear seats are cramped for adults on long journeys
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(C215, facelift 2002: 2003 - 2006).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | CL |
| Generation: | C216 |
| Modification (Engine): | CL 500 V8 (388 Hp) 7G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2006 |
| End of production: | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 388 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71 Hp/l [72mm more] |
| Torque: | 530 Nm @ 2800-4800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 273.961 More details about the engine M 273.961 |
| Engine displacement: | 5461 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 11.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 98 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90.5 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 18.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC): | 12.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC): | 18.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC): | 8.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.1 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 4 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 5.4 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 5.4 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h, Electronically limited |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 4.9 kg/Hp, 202.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.6 kg/Nm, 276 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 5.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1920 |
| Max. weight: | 2510 |
| Max load: | 590 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 490 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5065 mm mm [72mm more] |
| Width: | 1871 mm mm [14mm more] |
| Height: | 1418 mm mm [20mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2955 mm mm [70mm more] |
| Width including mirrors: | 2139 mm |
| Front track: | 1601 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1607 mm |
| Front overhang: | 917 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1193 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 7 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | G-TRONIC |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 235/55 R17; 255/45 R18; 255/40 R19; 255/35 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8J x 17; 8.5J x 18; 8.5J x 19; 8.5J x 20 |
| Front suspension | Hydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Hydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension |
Your first impression of the Mercedes-Benz CL in one word? Go!